Imagine the five-time Olympic champion US Women’s National Team (USWNT) tasting defeat for the first time ever against Portugal, only to roar back just days later with a thrilling 3-1 victory. That’s exactly what happened in their international football clash on Sunday, October 26th, and it was a match that had it all—early drama, a young star stealing the show, and a late goal to seal the deal.
The game kicked off with a bang, as three goals lit up the scoreboard within the first 10 minutes. Olivia Moultrie, the 20-year-old phenom, set the tone with a clinical strike just seconds into the match, finding the bottom left corner with precision. But Portugal wasn’t about to roll over. Jessica Silva quickly silenced the US celebrations with a perfectly timed header, leveling the score just five minutes in.
And this is the part most people miss—Moultrie’s brilliance wasn’t done. With less than 10 minutes on the clock, she completed her brace in style. A clever backheel assist from Jaedyn Shaw set her up, and Moultrie coolly slotted home with her left foot, reclaiming the lead for the USWNT.
The rest of the first half fizzled out compared to the explosive start, with the US holding a 2-1 advantage at halftime. The second half saw the Americans pushing for a third goal, but Portugal’s defense held firm—until the 82nd minute. That’s when midfielder Sam Coffey finally broke through, tapping in an Ally Sentnor corner kick to secure the win.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this victory a sign of the USWNT’s resilience, or did Portugal simply run out of steam after their historic win earlier in the week? And what does this mean for the team’s upcoming friendly against New Zealand in Kansas City on Thursday, October 30th?
One thing’s for sure: Moultrie’s performance has everyone talking. Is she the future of the USWNT? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
For those eager to catch the next chapter of this story, here’s how you can watch the USWNT’s upcoming friendlies, complete with the full schedule and roster: How to watch the upcoming USWNT friendlies – full schedule and roster.
